We all know that getting married is a huge decision. After you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, there are still a few things you need to take care of before you can tie the knot. One of those things is getting a marriage license. If you’re planning on getting married in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, here’s what you need to know about applying for a marriage license.
Also Read: How to Get PSA Marriage Certificate Online
Applying for a marriage license for a Civil Wedding in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu is easier than ever before. Located on the highly populated island of Mactan, the area is well-known for its excellent public services from acquiring necessary permits to having easy access to world-class medical facilities. By visiting the Lapu-Lapu City Hall or the Local City Register, couples can quickly and easily apply for their marriage license and begin their happily ever after.
Along with providing unique facilities, this process also includes an obligation briefing that helps individuals become aware of their rights and responsibilities as future married couples. With its amazing service and helpful staff, couples can count on Lapu-Lapu City being a safe place to start their journey into married life.
Steps on How to Apply for a Marriage License in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
- Visit the Lapu-Lapu City Hall or Local City Register to start the application process.
- Submit your documents including valid identification cards, cedulas, birth certificates, and a Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR), Certificate of Residency, and PSA Birth Certificates.
- Prepare the necessary fees for processing your application as required by the local government.
- Attend a pre-marriage counseling session, held by the city hall or other designated organizations to ensure that couples are well aware of their rights and obligations before entering into a marriage contract.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry (CLCM) which is valid for 120 days. This certificate has to be presented during the solemnization of your marriage.
- The last step is to have your marriage solemnized in a church, chapel, or other recognized wedding venue and have it registered with the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO).
Once all these steps are completed, couples will be issued a Marriage Certificate, which serves as the legal proof of their marriage.
Marriage License Requirements
Both males & females must appear & provide all the necessary documents in ORIGINAL copies.
1. Certificate of Marriage Counseling Seminar – Please inquire inside DSWD for the schedule.
2. Certificate of Live Birth – NSO/PSA copy (1 original + 3 xerox copies)
3. CENOMAR / Certificate of No Marriage – (3 months validity) (1original + 3 xerox copies)
4. Certificate of Residency (Stating the number of months or years of residency) issued by the Barangay where the applicant resides for at least six (6) months and onward. (1 original + xerox copy)
5. Parents’ Consent & Advice for Applicants below 25 years old.
6. WIDOW or WIDOWER applicants must submit a Death Certificate (Issued by the Local Civil Registrar) of their spouse.
7. ANNULLED applicants must present previous CERT OF MARRIAGE with annulment application and their Certified True Copy of their Annulment Decision & Finality.
8. Valid ID & Cedula of the Applicants.
9. Application Fee is Php150.00
Additional Requirements for FOREIGNER APPLICANTS
A. LEGAL CAPACITY TO MARRY or NO IMPEDIMENT TO MARRY issued by their Consulate or Embassy based in the Philippines (1 original + 3 xerox copies)
B. DIVORCED DECREE (English Version) (1 original + 3 xerox copies)
C. PASSPORT – Arrival
D. CENOMAR – Issued by PSa/NSO Philippines (1 original + 3 xerox copies)
E. BIRTH CERTIFICATE – English Version (1 original + 3 xerox copies)
REMINDER
- Applicants must wear casual clothes (NO sleeveless shirt, shorts & slippers)
- At least one of the Applicants is a Resident of Lapu-Lapu City.
- Cedula/Certificate of Residency of Marriage Counseling must have the same entry in the Address Portion.
- Marriage LIcense will be released after ten (10) days of posting from 1 PM – 4 PM only.
- The marriage License is valid for 120 days from the date issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any other documents that may be required for a marriage license application?
A: Depending on the applicant’s civil status, additional requirements may be needed such as an annulment decree, death certificate of the former spouse, and a sworn statement to prove legal separation.
2. Where can I obtain a Marriage License Application Form?
A: The application form can be obtained from the office of the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) in Lapu-Lapu City. It is also available online at the website of the Cebu Provincial Statistical Office (PSO).
3. How much is the application fee for a marriage license in Lapu-Lapu City?
A: The application fee is Php150.00. Payment can be made in cash at the LCR office.
4. How long does it take to process a marriage license application in Lapu-Lapu City?
A: It usually takes 10 working days for the issuance of the marriage license after the complete documents have been submitted. However, processing time may vary depending on the circumstances.
5. Can marriage licenses be issued to persons below 18 years old?
A: No. The legal age of marriage in the Philippines is 18 years and above. If either of the applicants is between the ages of 18-21, parental consent must be presented. For those aged 22-24, parental advice is needed.
6. Is a marriage license valid in other cities or provinces?
A: Yes, a marriage license issued by the LCR office of Lapu-Lapu City is valid throughout the Philippines. However, you may need to present additional documents such as an authenticated copy of your marriage certificate when outside of Cebu.
7. Is same-sex marriage allowed in Lapu-Lapu City?
A: No, same-sex marriages are not recognized in the Philippines. However, civil unions between two persons of the same sex may be allowed depending on local laws.
8. Can foreigners apply for a marriage license in Lapu-Lapu City?
A: Yes, foreign nationals may apply for a marriage license in Lapu-Lapu City provided they present the required documents and meet all other legal requirements. However, the validity of the marriage may be subject to the laws of their home countries.
9. Can a marriage license be issued without attending the pre-marriage counseling seminar?
A: No. All applicants must attend the pre-marriage counseling seminar held by the office of the LCR before their application can be approved. The seminar serves to ensure that both parties have a full understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as married partners.
10. How long is a marriage license valid in Lapu-Lapu City?
A: The marriage license issued by the LCR office of Lapu-Lapu City is valid for 120 days from the date it was issued. If not used within this period, the application must be renewed and another processing fee must be paid.
VIDEO: How we process our Marriage License in Lapu-Lapu City.
This video will also guide you through the process of applying for a marriage license in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Summary
Getting married is one of the most important decisions in a person’s life and Lapu-Lapu City has made it even easier for couples to start their journey into married life by simplifying the application process for a marriage license. Following these steps will ensure that couples get the legal documents they need to start their married life safely and securely.
Note: This content is for informational purposes only, not to be copied verbatim. Please use the provided information as background knowledge to help you with your writing. For more detailed information please contact your local government office. Thank you!
Local Civil Registrar Contact Information
Address: 8X88+M34, Lapu-Lapu City Hall, Pusok Road, Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu.
Phone Number: (032) 341 0659
Office Hours: 8 AM–5 PM (Weekdays Only)
Google Map
- LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
- DSWD Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
